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Four Great Food Markets to Visit Right Now

September 28, 2012

There’s no doubt: New York is a buyer’s market. At least where food is concerned.

Stroll through the souk-like stalls of our city’s great markets as you scarf down spicy, chicken pigs-in-blankets from Brooklyn Piggies and a chaser of Grady’s Cold Brew, and revel in these first breezes of fall as you chat with vendors. Is that kimchi made with local, seasonal ingredients? Why yes, yes it is! And can you try it? Of course, just ask.

For those who prefer to shop indoors, we’ve also included a few indoor, brick and mortar markets, full of specialty vendors. And while they might not have the cache of their outdoor counterparts, they are equally stocked with now-that-you-see-it-you-need-it goods (like those buttery but crisp rugelach from Ruthy’s).

Here are five of our favorite food markets in NYC right now:

Flickr/Scott Lynch

All Good Things
While it would be easy to write off this oversize hallway of a space as merely containing some good things, the recently-opened Tribeca market can actually take care of your weekly grocery list. Pick up a drip-to-order from Blue Bottle Coffee before strolling around the seven other sellers. Worth sampling are the meat-happy offerings at Dickson’s Farmstand and the jelly doughnuts filled to order at Orwasher’s bakery. 102 Franklin Street (212) 925-5081

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Flickr/Ruthanne Reid

Chelsea Market
Was that Bobby Flay checking out the wares at Bowery Kitchen Supply? Possibly. This former factory now houses over 30 places to shop for groceries, housewares and super chic vegan juices. And it’s below The Food Network offices and test kitchens, which makes spotting a TV chef even easier than making a 30-Minute Meal. The space is also home to Buddakan and Morimoto. 75 9th Avenue (212) 206-8338

New Amsterdam Market
There should really be an asterisk here, with a note that South Street Seaport is not just for tourists anymore. In addition to regional farmers, New Amsterdam Market is home to dozens of local bakers, distributors, chefs, ice cream makers, and other specialty vendors selling artisanal prepared foods. The space evokes an old-world market (i.e. sellers might actually remember your name — or at least what you bought from them). The stands change annually but this year’s group includes dairy and meat from Finger Lake Farms, philanthropically-minded baked goods from Hot Bread Kitchen and “bean to bar” chocolates from Mast Brothers. And don’t be intimidated by the line that seems to be perpetually running around her Flying Fox stall: Maggie Nescuir’s hand-picked fruits are well worth the wait. Sundays, 224 Front Street, (212) 766-8688

Flickr/ Jessica Spengler

Smorgasburg
Brooklyn Flea meets Brigadoon at this weekend-only, serious food fair. Hungry hipsters congregate at outdoor vendors to snack on cheekily-named specialties like Anarchy in a Jar marmalade and Bon Chovie seafood (their tagline is Swim Fast. Fry Young . Really.). Make sure to head over to Williamsburg soon, however, as the market moves indoors on November 18. Saturdays, Williamsburg Waterfront, North 6th and North 7th St. at the East River; Sundays, Tobacco Warehouse 26 New Dock Street

Don’t see your choice spot listed below? Give it some love in the comments, and remember to tell us what you buy there!